For the last week I have decided it is time to kick up my routine. I have done 20 minutes on the treadmill and 30 minutes of aerobics 5 days a week with NO results. I orginally lost 3 pounds but they quickly came right back and held tight.

So this past week I started doing 45 minutes (3 miles) at 5 mph on the treadmill and some ab work after. I hope this is the kick in the butt my fat cells need to see they are no longer welcome.

I have also joined the Discovery Health Challenge. I joined last year too and never looked at the site again. This year I am going to be more active. I can record my exercise everyday and it helps me keep track of my weight. It also gives meal plans based on your goals but I don't have the money to run out and buy all the foods it suggests. I will just try to aim for more fruits and veges on my plate than anything else.

So far this week I am down 4 pounds but I am not going to get my hopes up just yet. It is possible that it will come right back again. I hope not because nothing is more motivating than seeing some results after all my hard work.

How is everyone else coping with the post-holiday pounds?

Twas the night before Christmas
and all round my hips
Were Fannie May candies
that sneaked past my lips.

Fudge brownies were stored
in the freezer with care,
In hopes that my thighs
would forget they were there.

While Mama in her girdle
and I in chin straps
Had just settled down
to sugar-borne naps.

When out in the pantry
there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed
to see what was the matter.

Away to the kitchen
I flew like a flash,
Tore open the icebox then
threw up the sash.

The marshmallow look
of the new-fallen snow
Sent thoughts of a binge
to my body below.

When what to my wandering eyes should appear:
A marzipan Santa with eight chocolate reindeer!

That huge chunk of candy
so luscious and slick
I knew in a second
that I'd wind up sick.

The sweet-coated Santa,
those sugared reindeer,
I closed my eyes tightly
but still I could hear;

On Pritzker, on Stillman, on weak one, on TOPS
A Weight Watcher dropout from sugar detox.

From the top of the scales
to the top of the hall
Now dash away pounds;
now dash away all.

Dressed up in Lane Bryant
from my head to nightdress
My clothes were all bulging
from too much excess.

My droll little mouth
and my round little belly
They shook when I laughed
like a bowl full of jelly.

I spoke not a word
but went straight to my work
Ate all of the candy
then turned with a jerk.

And laying a finger
beside my heartburn
Gave a quick nod
toward the bedroom I turned.

I eased into bed,
to the heavens I cry
If temptation's removed
I'll get thin by and by.

And I mumbled again
as I turned for the night
"In the morning I'll starve...
'til I take that first bite!"

Author Unknown (it came in a forward)

Saturday, as I walked my 2 miles to the gym, a car pulled over and a lady rolled down her window to say, "I think you're doing a great job". Of course, I was like, "excuse me?" And she proceeded to tell me that she thought it was great that I was motivated to go out and walk and exercise...and then she got out of her car and told me that she had worked from a size 26 to a size 16 through diet and exercise. And honestly, I would kill for her figure. We chatted for a few minutes, and I walked away with a renewed sense of motivation in both my self, and the impact that I have on others.

When people on the street drive by me, they have one of the two following thoughts:

1. OMG, look at that COW!

OR

2. Wow, look at her go. If she can do that, why can't I? (which then motivates them to walk themselves).

The first group, I care nothing about. It's the second group that I hope drive by and become inspired to begin their own walking and exercise regimines.

I just wanted to share this small incident with you, mainly because I was shocked that it actually happened, and two, to hopefully motivate you to keep going. Yes, it's hard t lose weight. But remember--we didn't gain it overnight, and it takes time to remove it. But you have to be dedicated, and you have to want it for yourself. Dont try to lose weight for your high school reunion. Don't do it for your husband or boyfriend. Don't try to do it for your mom or your sister. It's only when you want to do it for You that it begins to work. YOU have to work for you, and not for anyone else--otherwise, your doing it for all the wrong reasons.

Stay on track, keep yourself motivated, and work for the end result that you want--be it health, new clothes, or just a sense of accomplishment.

:)